It’s one year ago today that the UK went back into our second lockdown. One year ago that I asked my neighbors for any “smelly” old books, scrap materials, and any small patterned clothes they might not have a use for. We were bored and of course, Morgan (my then five-year-old) had absolutely no interest in reading any book despite them being Christmas-themed and very chirpy.

In a desperate attempt to get him to read I made Penelope and Presley. These two little dolls were made very quickly and without much thought using just clay and paper mache which I then dressed both in materials I’d cut from a cushion cover I actually rather treasured. Both dolls were entirely glued together with not a piece of thread in sight lol.

The dolls sat on my Christmas tree for just a few days before I toyed with trying my luck on Etsy. My precious dolls sold within 2 hours!

Astonishingly for a global sales platform, the lady that purchased both of my dollies worked within the car ride between mine and my mum’s house. I agreed to hand-deliver the little dolls to ensure their safe arrival and met Laura, my first ever customer.

As December went on I’d generated quite a lot of interest. My friends and family on Facebook all wanted their own paper dollies which I was working hard to get made before Christmas… but then, I tested positive for Covid. I was forced to self-isolate alone with Morgan and later hospitalized with pneumonia putting a halt on all of the orders I had taken. In fact it was whilst I was in hospital I took the call from David at The British Toy Makers Guild. David was congratulating me for being accepted into their community whilst I choked for air and lapped up the oxygen.

I’d applied for The Guild in the weeks previous when I was obviously feeling very ambitious. I told of my story so far and sent photographs of the very first doll I’d made not expecting to ever hear back. What breath was left in me was literally taken away as I took that call and I didn’t know who to tell first.

After I was discharged from hospital I stayed with my mum for about a month whilst I got back on my feet. My mum took care of Morgan whilst I laid in bed researching for 12 hours a day. “How to hand stitch” and “paper clay recipes” were some of my frequent searches as believe it or not, I’d never successfully sewn a button on a shirt just a year ago. I watched a million YouTube videos, and pinned a few more million pins. Now I just needed the shops back open!

The shops didn’t open and so I was forced to beg, borrow and steal to gather more fabrics and loo roll which was in shortage to make my paper mache. I now had an order book, a stack of scraps and my nan on my case asking for another doll.

I created a Facebook Page, an Instagram and built (with absolutely no knowledge) a very basic website. I listed some of my creations and watched as again as they sold out in just a few hours. Arghhh! What do I do now? Lol. I had no boxes, no packaging. No business cards. No nothing, but a mess filling my lounge and some dolls amongst it all.

In February with a small portfolio behind me, I approached several magazines. I was astonished once more that one of my absolute favorites Dollshouse and Miniature Scene agreed on a place in June’s edition. I sent them some photos and waited months to see which one they’d accepted. When I received the proof I was dumbfounded to see a DOUBLE page spread. About me!! I cried for about an hour and resisted the urge to send a digital copy to everyone in the whole entire world whilst waiting a few more months to hold the paper copy.

In March my beloved job as an estate agent came to an end. For years I’d worked as a sales progressor in our small town and with the freedom of working from home to accommodate my dodgy broken back. I loved my job and was sad to say goodbye to my team but knew now was the best opportunity I would ever get to put my heart and soul into my dolls and continue to be comfortable at home whilst I await possible surgery on my spine.

I registered as self-employed, took out insurance, and shuffled my two-bed terrace house around to accommodate a desk and all of my handmade tools.

More months went on and more things became serious. It was suddenly necessary to protect my designs. The very individual characteristics of my dolls were being imitated and my photographs were stolen for others’ profit. My hard work and dedication to just keep a roof over mine and Morgan’s head was fading away in front of me. I joined ACID and added all of my designs and characteristics along with my branding to their databank, essentially copywriting each piece.

My magazine came out in June, and I was nominated for The Business Women of the Year Awards. My hand-stitch was improving and orders were steadily coming in.

With Christmas on the horizon I knew I needed to consider adding something else to my collection. I knew that not everyone could afford my art and I wanted to share a piece of me and my dream with everybody.

With my decision made to “give it a go” I rang my dad and begged him to buy me an iPad. He transferred the money on the promise he ‘might’ get it back one day. LOL. That very afternoon I went straight to Apple and bought my amazing new equipment. I signed up to a workshop the following week, but in the seven days I’d had my new toy learnt everything they taught.

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I designed 4 cards, all seasonal Christmas cards ready for market stalls I’d confirmed. I ordered 250 cards from a printer and sat very impatiently waiting for each design proof to appear in my inbox. Wow! I made them. I was over the moon with every aspect and couldn’t wait to design more, and so I did and now I have TEN designs under my belt!

As a new year opens, I’m so grateful for each and every friend I’ve made in this little journey. So much has happened in just one year that I have definitely forgotten some important bits. But, the crucial parts about actually learning to sew and my double spread are all there!

I’d love you to join me for the rest of my journey. You can find me on Facebook and Instagram @emilyarcheruk

More info: EmilyArcher.co.uk | Instagram

Henrietta

Henrietta is dressed in her party rigout, but refusing to go to the party! Her mum chose her beautiful dress but it isn’t to Henrietta’s taste and so for the last hour she has sulked and refused to move from her perch. Henrietta has a lot of attitudes and is very naughty. Her wayward hair is styled like the menace she is in little high bunches and bows. Henrietta is quite naughty and often the one to cause havoc in the home, moving belongings and hiding herself. Henrietta is made from paper and clay. She is dressed in a pale green fabric remnants with cream detailing. Her hair is made from sheep locks, naturally dyed to a beautiful auburn. Henrietta contains no plastic or harmful chemicals. Henrietta would like a home where she is centre of attention. Her favourite resting place is on mantle where she can be seen by all and all that’s to be seen.

Boris and his mischievous brother Johnson

Boris and Johnson are quite well known in London and its surroundings for being the class clowns. Both boys are very disruptive and often grounded from the outside world. Boris and Johnson enjoy house parties and surprisingly the odd cheese & very ‘fine’ wine. Boris and Johnson have both had their booster jabs and so are perfectly safe to travel within the UK or out of the EU completely. Boris and Johnson are made from paper and clay. Both boys are dressed in hand-me-downs that once belonged to my little boy, Morgan which I have cut and hand-stitched to around 7 inches. Boris and Johnson have tuffled unkempt hair that would benefit a brush. The hair itself is made from sheep locks that have been naturally dyed to a dark blonde. Within these two dolls only is locks of Morgan’s own hair as a keepsake as both Boris and Johnson were gifts to the family. Boris and Johnson are nearing the end of their residence in their current house and are looking for a new home away from their day-to-day politics with a more pleasant cabinet to sit in. Both boys like a large family with lots of children and would benefit from a house that enjoys a healthy debate.

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William

He’s the type of guy all mums want you to bring home. He’s natural, hardworking, and full of charm. William is dressed in a hand-me-down T-shirt scaled down to 7inches and a pair of super skinny jeans. William has very curly and unruly locks which he leaves tussled after his morning shower to compliment his sun-kissed skin. William owns his own art gallery somewhere near the Kent Coast, he specializes in sculpture and particularly likes those of the human form. William is quite a quiet character but often finds his voice after a glass or two of fine red wine. His other favorite past times include baking, reading, and riding his bike.

Margaret

Meet sweet little Margaret. Much like my other dollies Margaret has her own story to tell. Unlike the others, Margaret has recently faced a sorry battle, one which she’s very honored to have won. Margaret now acts as a therapy doll who will bring a wealth of happiness to her new owner as a beautiful companion or a precious gift. Margaret’s huge heart beneath her pajamas reflects the love she has to give, whilst her scar shows and speaks of the tale she has to tell. Margaret is made from paper and clay. She is dressed in linen pajamas which were once a lady’s summer shirt. Margaret’s hair is made from sheep locks which have been naturally dyed to a beautiful peachy auburn. Margaret contains no plastic or harmful chemicals. Margaret is a very sweet character, with a relaxed and peaceful look at life. Her pajamas reflect her easy-going mornings, whilst her bed hair shows her path of being carefree and comfortable with herself and her surroundings. Margaret enjoys the little things in life from the birds outside of her window to the smell of fresh washing. Margaret loves her home comforts and will enjoy a home where she’s cosy, warm and loved.

Bridget

. With the large ego but not so big knickers. Bridget is a bit of a poser. She loves dressing up and especially enjoys wearing a hat. When Bridget isn’t shopping for new clothes and accessories she enjoys practicing her makeup and pout in the mirror. Bridget is a keen dancer and often found shimmying on down to an 80s classic. Bridget is made from paper and clay. She is dressed in a John Lewis (remnants) hand-tailored with a white blouse underneath made from an old school shirt. Bridget’s hair is made from sheep locks (I actually picked out so dry grass earlier), naturally dyed to beautiful chocolate. Bridget contains no plastic or harmful chemicals. Bridget would like a home with lots of natural light and ample mirror space. Her favorite resting place is somewhere near her own reflection.

Finnegan, the scatty tatty scarecrow with whiskers on his chin-a-gen

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Finnegan is a gentle soul with straw for brains and paper heart. He stands quite tall at exactly ten inches from the top of his hat to the tip of his cold toes. Dressed in traditional scarecrow wear, including broken boots and fully recycled clothing.

Finnegan’s body is made from a wire skeleton, covered in a paper mache medium which makes him fully posable. His face includes burlap additions and a wiggly sewn-on nose. He is stuffed with premium hay and may cause allergies. Finnegan’s torn clothes add a worn look to his simple character.

His exposed toes add charm and a sense of clumsiness which Finnegan certainly is! Finnegan spends most of his days minding the crops and scaring away the pesky birds. When he’s removed from his stake he enjoys a warm room not too close to any fires or exposed flames. He enjoys a comfy corner where he can rest his tired arms after shaking away the cobwebs. Finnegan comes complete with a face mask to represent the year 2021.

Pinocchio

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